【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. resolution / ˌrɛz əˈlu ʃən / (n.) – the act of solving a conflict or problem
Example: The trade between the two countries was revived after the resolution of their dispute.
2. sanction / ˈsæŋk ʃən / (n.) – punishment or penalty imposed on a country
Example: The country faced economic sanctions after disobeying international laws.
3. deal a blow / ˈdil ə bloʊ / (idiom) – to cause harm to someone or something
Example: The calamity dealt a blow to her business.
4. cripple / ˈkrɪp əl / (v.) – to weaken something
Example: The country’s economy was crippled by the recession.
5. reconciliation / ˌrɛk ənˌsɪl iˈeɪ ʃən / (n.) – the act of turning former enemies into friends
Example: The signing of the new treaty marked the two countries’ reconciliation.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Turkey’s tourism industry might rise again soon upon the resolution of the country’s conflict with Russia.
In July 2016, Russian tourists entered Turkish borders for the first time in eight months, after Russia’s travel ban against Turkey was finally lifted. The ban was among several economic sanctions that Russian President Vladimir Putin issued against Turkey, after a Russian aircraft was shot down by Turkish fighter jets near Turkish borders.
The economic sanctions dealt a devastating blow to Turkey’s tourism, because Russia is the country’s second biggest market in the industry. Shortly after the sanctions were imposed, the number of Russian tourists visiting Turkey declined by 92 percent. Aside from the ban, the Russian government also ordered its travel agencies to stop offering travel packages with destinations in Turkey. Visa-free travel between the countries was also abolished.
Aside from crippling Turkey’s tourism, the sanctions also affected other aspects of the country’s economy. Putin also banned importation of Turkish goods into Russia, causing exports to drop by 61.5 percent. He also prohibited the renewal of labor contracts for Turks working in Russia beyond January 1 of this year.
The travel ban was finally lifted upon the reconciliation of the two country’s leaders. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued an apology for the plane-shooting incident. Erdoğan and Putin met again on June 29 for the first time after the conflict erupted.
Putin has now ordered for the sanctions against Turkey to be gradually reduced. The renewed ties with Russia is expected to bring economic growth of up to $10 billion to Turkey’s economy, according to a report by investment analysts.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Do you agree with Russia’s move to impose economic sanctions on Turkey? Why or why not?
· How can two countries resolve conflict without resorting to economic sanctions?
Discussion B
· How do relationships between countries affect international businesses?
· What is the importance of being able to do international trade?
